LAWRENCE PATRICK SANGSTER

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I met Lawrence when he taught my daughter in Grade 6 (2001). He was always encouraging and caring toward his students. Eventually he moved to Valley Gardens Junior High where both my son and daughter encountered him in various activities. At the same time, I worked as a liaison with Staff and parents and became a colleague. The friendship continued on at Kildonan East Collegiate when he and my children eventually moved there in their education. Lawrence continued to be encouraging to all students. He was firm about what levels of behaviour he expected his students to attain as he always knew deep inside what they were capable of. It was always inspiring as I believe the students felt they didn't want to disappoint him. He was such a kind person. I remember when he first started teaching, and he was still trying to support his family and he took a summer job as a cook out at Netley Creek Resort. He encouraged my family to come out for a visit during summer vacation. We took him up on that and enjoyed our lunch that he prepared. I was deeply saddened to learn of Lawrence's passing. The world does need more people like him. I guess the best lesson is to try and mirror our lives in his caring ways. I wish to send our deepest sympathies to all his family and friends. Our memories are many. Cheryl, Erin and Jeremy Wall - Posted by: Cheryl Wall (Parent of Lawrence's students/Colleague/Friend) on: Jul 26, 2016

• My condolences to the Sangster family. Mr. Sangster was the epitome of a class-act going above and beyond for people when needed. He was like a second father to me throughout my Junior High years at Valley Gardens or High School years at Kildonan East Collegiate. I first got to know Mr. Sangster at Valley Gardens in Grade 7(2001) of him giving us military like work-outs ( 5 quarter drills, laps, matches against teammates) during practice at 7am Sharp ( It was mandatory to be there whether it was +30 or -50 conditions. Sangster, a few teammates, and I would be the first people there and was always a motivator. We outnumbered every Junior High in our school division(RETSD) having like 36 Boys and 21 Girls where 3 years consecutively we won the divisional championships from 2001-2004 and our team won the provincials in 2004 with Sangster at the helm guiding us. I recall in the 2004 provincials my division was pretty decent, but there was this guy that was known for being aggressive and more built then I was. My technique was ok, but never great. Sangster always gave me great motivation in matches and in life especially in football when he's like :" Derek, I know what you used to do in Wrestling, but I know you can step it up". Eventually, this transpired into actually making you believe in yourself when the odds were stacked against you and giving you the necessary confidence and tools to win at life. Later on, he started teaching at Kildonan East Collegiate and was also coaching the wrestling team. Although, our team did okay in tournaments. He allowed me to be the captain in my Senior years of doing the practices that carried on from Junior High to High School. Also, he was my retailing teacher in Grade 11 where me and Steve Noel along with other classmates would petition around the school. And all of us in our class were finding ways to make sure it went to administration and were really adamant of Kildonan East having a football team which eventually pulled through. In addition, there were countless adventures to Macs to compare prices with other retailers as one of the assignments. In 2006 Kildonan East started the 1st ever football program at the school was Sangster guiding the ship to a 3-4 record in the first ever year. Nonetheless, we had great games against Sturgeon winning 21-20 in a comeback game, Elmwood, Grant Park, and Beaver Brae just to name a few. I still remember in Exhibition Sangster & Coach Birk had me lined up at outside containment on the left side of special teams and Christopher Harris at the other. I missed a tackle and Chris and while the returner on Grant Park was running faster than the road runner down the field almost scoring a TD. Chris came and smoked the guy at our 10 yard line saving a TD. Next practice Sangster being the motivator he was made me run 10 laps to make up for the assignment I had in football, but it made me want to improve as a player and a person. I am deeply grateful Mr. Sangster came into my life and my condolences are with him and his family. The world could've used a million Mr. Sangster for the morals, teaching style, coaching style, and prideful individual he was putting others need at high importance. Thank you Lawrence for many wonderful years of kindness, generosity, sense of humor making a difference in my life and countless others. - Posted by: Derek Loewen (Coach/Teacher/ Friend) on: Jul 24, 2016

• My condolences on Lawrence's untimely death. Lawrence was a God-send for me in the year I was asked to teach social studies. He freely shared resources, ideas and expertise, but mostly he calmed me down and gave me confidence that I could manage to do a good job. He became a friend especially during the social studies retreat to Gimli during which we shared a room, meals, beverages and VLT's! Since then we often chatted about our lives, especially our families. It was clear that Lawrence was a devoted husband and father, who was rightly proud of his kids and the open and honest relationship he had with them. He will also be missed by his many friends at KEC. May your fond memories provide some relief at this difficult time. David - Posted by: David Ramsay (colleague) on: Jul 23, 2016

• On behalf of the Winnipeg High School Football League please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of Lawrence. Lawrence was instrumental in starting the program at Kildonan East and a tireless worker. In my role as Commissioner of the league I found dealing with Lawrence to always be an experience in enthusiasm. He will be missed by our league and the many players and coaches that he touched and provided a positive experience to. - Posted by: Rick Henkewich (Football ) on: Jul 23, 2016